Metamorphic Rock Notes
Metamorphic rocks are formed when the parent rock is
CHANGED due to HEAT, PRESSURE, or HOT LIQUIDS
2 types of metamorphism:
o Regional Metamorphism:
Happens when rocks are changed over a large
area caused by CRUST COLLIDING or the
CRUST BEING BURIED DEEP
UNDERGROUND
o Contact Metamorphism:
Happens when rocks are changed by CONTACT
WITH MAGMA
Metamorphic rocks are classified in 2 ways:
o FOLIATED----layers---metamorphic rocks with layers or
bands
o NON-FOLIATED---no layers—metamorphic rocks with
no layers; “massive” one piece structures
4 CHANGES can occur in METAMORPHIC ROCKS
o Crystals can grow larger
o Crystals form in layers called foliation
o Minerals can changed to new minerals
o Undergo compression and distortion
Examples: Heat and Pressure CHANGE Parent Rocks
Sandstone (parent rock)----heat and pressure----quartzite
Shells----organic limestone (parent rock)----heat and pressure----marble
Shells---chemical limestone (parent rock)----heat and pressure----marble
Shale (parent rock)----heat and pressure---slate---heat and pressure----phyllite---heat and pressure----schist